HomeMy WebLinkAbout07072016 BSC Agenda Item 3 STAFF REPORT
Business of the Building and Standards Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
AGENDA OF: July 1, 2016 DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Development
Services
DATE SUBMITTED: July 7, 2016
PRESENTER: Staff
PREPARED BY: Clay Chew, CBO, CFM
City Building Official
STAFF PRESENTER:
SUBJECT: Adopt 2015 International Clay Chew, CBO, CFM
Energy Conservation Code City Building Official
ATTACHMENTS: 2015 IECCSignificant changes
STAFF SUMMARY
Background:
The state of Texas has updated its minimum statewide energy requirements for homes
with the adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The legislation
requires all Texas homes to meet the new energy efficiency requirements which take effect in
September 2016.
1
Highlights of the 2015 IECC residential Code Changes
With the adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) the state of Texas
has updated its minimum statewide energy requirements for homes. The legislation requires
all Texas homes to meet the new energy efficiency requirements which take effect in
September 2016.
The biggest change that will affect builders is the addition of an Energy Rating Index (ERI)
compliance path. This will allow builders another option to comply with the 2015 IECC and use
the rating to achieve compliance with code requirements for energy efficiency. Texas amended
the ERI to phase in lower maximum ratings over the next 6 years.
There are five key revisions from the 2012 IECC to the 2015 IECC
1. Required inspections. Foundation, Framing, Plumbing rough-in, and Mechanical rough-
in.
Potential impact—There will be no impact since the Inspection Department already
performs these inspections.
2. Vertical access doors. A new exception has been added that allows vertical doors from
conditioned space to unconditioned space.
Potential impact—This change allows the option of using an insulated exterior door or
an interior door with enough insulation attached to the back to meet the door
requirement.
3. Building envelope air leakage testing. Building envelope air leakage testing must now
be done in accordance with either ASTM E 779 or ASTM E 1827.
Potential impact—Test reports must reference the ASTM standard used.
4. Combustion closets. Rooms containing fuel burning appliances must be located outside
the thermal envelope. This new requirement only applies in Climate Zones 3-8.
Potential impact -There will be no impact since West University Place is located in
Climate Zone 2.
5. Duct Insulation. The new code makes duct insulation requirements dependent on
location and the diameter of the duct. Supply duct in the attic must be a minimum of
R-8 (where >3-inch in diameter) and R-6 (where <3-inch in diameter.
Potential impact- Minimal. Attic air ducts are rarely less than 6-inch in diameter which
will require R-8.